Town’s U23s extended their lead at the top of the Professional Development League Two South table to four points after defeating bottom side Colchester United 4-1 at Playford Road this afternoon, U’s defender Tyrique Hyde netting an own goal before Kai Brown (pictured) , Bailey Clements and Tommy Hughes (pen) got their names on the scoresheet.
Hyde diverted diverted a low ball from Armando Dobra - who spent last week with the Albanian U19s squad - past his own keeper in the seventh minute to give the young Blues the lead. However, the Essex side levelled on 22 via Devonte Aransibia.
But Town’s advantage was restored six minutes after the break when Brown followed up after Dobra’s initial effort had been saved.
Former Grays Athletic man Brown turned provider in the 64th minute, his cross from the right finding left-back Clements who made it 3-1.
The goalscoring was completed by sub Hughes in the 78th minute after the academy scholar was brought down by U’s keeper Ted Collins and found the net from the spot.
The win moves the Blues four points ahead of second-placed Crystal Palace, who aren’t in action this week, both teams having played 22 games.
U23s: Wright, Emmanuel, Cotter, Ndaba (c), Nsiala, Clements (Webber 82), McGavin, Dozzell, Dobra (Hughes 76), El Mizouni (Foudil 76), K Brown. Unused: Egan, Z Brown.